Electroplating apparatus.



Af. VAN WINKLE & J. T. DANIELS.

ELEGTROPLATIN G APPARATUS.

.. \U @N .W DN. GN km w E? N m mm N5 e m.. u. Sw m m s a @P Q HM.. C@ m.Q m .nu m W mw m w om. Q A. w; E. Q ww t mw 5. ...imm m: m A@ 9 h .uw.mm ww A w mwmwm @m Awww MWQANW Mlw n.

l INVENTORS:

ai?, .Q4/W

WITNESSES.'

A. VAN WINKLE z J., T. DANIELS.

BLBCTROPLATING APPARATUS. APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 29, 19'07.

Patented 1360.22, 1908.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2. A?? LP Q ,@f

I J E n m r I i@ f... LD \m-l l W n t), cg (1l wrf @www l CD s? nv"`---`Il :I

. 1 n g 1% s* Cv cndhl WYE w fi i 0 Q LQ WTNESSES: INVENTOHS: fa n]-Hbrafh a'rT'I-Vm wmlla XC @www a+. l n'l'ngllaqne'l MLM, v l ATTORNEYSA. VAN WINKLE T. DANIELS.

ELEGTROPLATING APPARATUS. APPLIUATION PVILBD JUNE ze, 1907.

907,425. Patented Dec. 1908.

L A w... 1

"C3-Ulli] @1U-equals; fr

ATTORNEYS v UNUSED srArEs rArENr oEErcE;

ABRAHAM VAN WINKLE AND JOHN lTHE HAN'soN a-VAN T. DANrELs, or NEWARK,NEW JERSEY, AssrGNoRs- 'ro WINKLE COMPANY, A CORPORATION or NEW JERSEY.

.ELEcTRoPLA'rINGgAPrARATUs.

4Intentar Dee.. as, 1908.

Appiieaaon mea June 29,' 1907. serrano. 281,385.

the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference beinghad to the accompanying drawings, and to characters of reference markedthereon, which form a part of this speciiication. f

Our present invention is in the nature of improvements in electroplatingapparatus; and the present invention relates more particularly to anovel electroplating apparatus and method of electroplating such bodies,as

chains, or the like, arranged in the forml of continuous loops movingupon and about conveying rolls or drums, the apparatus hereindescribed.being an improvement on that form and style of electroplating apparatusdescribed and illustrated in our former application for Letters-Patent,iiled June 7.,

1907, Serial No. 377,690.

The present invention objects to provide a novel and simply constructedelectroplating apparatus for the electro-deposition cf metals u on theheavier articles of manufacture, sucfi as chains, or other hoop orloop-shaped bodies, which are to be arranged upon and roll or move witha revolving support lor supports, all with a view of simplifying themethod-of electroldeposition, and providing' in connection therewith ano vel means for producing simultaneously with the Vele-ctrodepositionof the metal, a bright finish of the plated surface or surfaces.

A further object of this invention is to provide an adjustable means,for the purpose of producing a' bright finish ofthe metal, saidmeanslbeing movable into or out of the electroplating solution7 S0,tojbe Operative,

either in' an immersed position beneath the surfaceof the electroplatingfluid, or being operative above the surface of the fluid', las

, may be desired, and as may be necessary according to the kind ofelectro-plating work which is being done. i

' Other objectsof this invention not at-this time` more especiallyenumerated `will be has for its principalVv tailed description of thesame. f

With the. various objects of our present --Inarily, in the novelelectroplating apparatus hereinafter set forth; and, furthermore, thisinvention consists in the various arrangements and combinations ofdevices andI parts, as well as in thealletaiis of .tneconstruction ofthe'same, all of which will be more'i'ully described in the followingspeciication, and then iinahy embodied in the and which form anessential part' of this specification.

The invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, inwhich?- Figure 1 is a top or plan view ofthe apparatus embodying therinciples of this invention; Fig. 2 is aside e evation of the appara'-tus; and Fig. v3 is a central longitudina vertical section of theapparatus.. Fig. 4 is a transverse section of the apparatus, saidsection-being taken on line 4-.4 insaid Fig. 1, looking in thedirectiony of the arrow and Fig. 5 is a detail vertical section, saidsection being taken on line 5-5 in said Fig. `1.

Similar characters ofv reference 'are employed in all ot` the abovedescribed views, to 'indicate corresponding parts.

Referring now to the several figures of the a suitably constructed tankor vat, the same all of which are4 suitably connected andmay be tiedwith tie-bolts 5- Extending across the upper open portion of the tank orvat is an arrangement of one or more rds or bars- 6, which are held inmeans of suitable fastening devices, as 7. An electric conductor 8, inthe form of a wire or rod, is connected with said anode-rods or bars bymeans of suitable contact-producing sleeves 81, and upon one of the saidrods on bars 6 is another contact-sleeve 9, or similar fasteningdevice', with which is suitably con-p. nected an electric conductor,such as a wire or rod 10, which leads from the main source ofelectricity. Suspended from each rod or bar 6,V by means of hooks l1, orin any other suitable manner, are any desirable number of metalanode`s,`as 12, which are thusar-lranged` in the .electrolyte o relectroplptingA f iuid contained in said vat\o r tank. Arranged in the.space betweameach pair drawings, the reference-characterl indicatesplace preferably by .ol-early understood from the ,followingde- Y.

invention. in view, the same consists, pri.

clauses of the claim which are appended to .comprising a base?, thesides 3, and ends 4,

of anode-rods or bars 6 is a revolving Worksupporting roll or drum 13,Which is usually made of Wood, and u on the ends of which are securedsuitably ormed plates or caps 14 oi metal. Each plate or cap 14 isprovided with an endj ournal 15. Bvmeans of these journals each roll ordrum may be rotatively and at thecsame time removably arranged in anarrangement of open or semicircular bearings 15 which may be secured inplace upon' the upper edges of the sides 3, by means oi bolts or screws17. The bearings 1li upc-n the one side of the tank or vat haveconnected therewith and leading therefrom suitable circuit-Wires or rods18, being conh and secured in place by means screws 19, or othersuitable fastennieans. vThe Wires or rods 18 are prcvided withcontact-producing members or elements 20 for the purpose of completingti urn-circuit through arod or wire 21,

and by means of another contact-producing element 22 completing theelectric circuit'by rneansof the'rod or Wire 23 with the main source orsupply of. electricity. opposite end, the journal of eachWork-supporting roll or drum 13 is provided With a toothed or worm-Wheel24, each wheel 24 being in mesh With a Worm 25 upon a driving shaft 25which revolves in suitable bearings' 27, substantially as clearlyillustrated in Figs. and 2 of the drawings. This shaft may be drivenfrom a sprocket-Wheel 28, over which may be arranged a link drivingchain; or, the said shaft may be operated in any other suitable manner,as Will be evident.

Each Work-supporting roll, in order Vthat it will serve as agoodconduc'tor foncarrying the electric current into and through the KWork which is to be electroplated, is provided With a series oflongitudinally extend-- ingA metal strips, bands or plates 29, overWhich the chains or other looped or hoopshaped goods of manufacture,which are to be electroplated, are suspended and which act to produce arotary motion of the goods when the Work-supporting roll is beingoperated, as Will be clearly evident from an inspection moreparticularly of Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings. Separating' disks,plates, or partitions 30 may also be suitably disposed and secured uponeachroll or drum, so as to provide a number of annular spaces upon eachroll or drum for the movement therein of the Work or cathode.

A Each side 3 of the tank or vat may also be lprovided with a series ofvertically disposed grooves or channels 31,A forming suitable guides 1nWhich are retained, and are capable of vertical movements, the endportions of the journals 33 of other rolls or drums 32 around which thelower moving portions of the chains or looped bodies move, so as toretain the movingportions of said bdies in,

Upon the their properly separated relations to-more readily deposit themetal upon"` all parts of said bodies, andfat the same time to causetheone moving portion of the chain, or similar body, to move in constantand uniform engagement ,With the brushes or bristles 35 of suitablerolls or drums 34. These drums 34 Which are revolved from a belt 36,substaptiallyas shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4 of the drawings, are providedWith the end-plates 37 and journals 38thel end-portions of which revolvein suitable bearing-portions 4() forming parts of suitablescrew-threaded sleeves or nuts 39. These sleeves or nuts 39 areadjustably disposed upon screw-threaded rods or spindles 41 which varepreferably arranged Within suitable grooves or channels 42 formed in thesides 3 of the tank or vat, said rods or spindles being heldin verticalpositions by suitable bearing-blocks 43 at their lower ends and brackets44- at their up er ends, said brackets being suitably securedupontheupper edges of the said sides 3, substantially 1n the manner shown.cThat the said rods or spindles are rotatably retained with relation `tosaidvbrackets, the u per end-portion of each rod or spindle is re uced,as at 45, so as to form a shoulder 46 which is fitted against the undersurface of the partl 47 of each bracket, each art 47 being formed With ahole 48 in which ranged, a collar 49 being secured u on that part of theportion 45 which exten s above the part 47 of the bracket, and a squaredor angularly formed end-member 50 beingf rovided for the placing thereonof a Wrenc or operating member 51. It Will' thus beevident, that thesaid rods or spindles 41 can be turned in either direction, and thesleeves or nuts 39 made to move either ,upwardly or downwardly upon saidscrew-threaded rods, as may be desired, to adjust the brushesvertically, so as to locate the latter in their immersed positions inthe electroplating solution, or above the same, according to the natureof the work which is to be plated and the kind of electroplatingsolution used.

Having thus described the general construction and arrangement of thedevices and parts of the apparatus, the chains or similar work to beelectroplated are readily arranged upon the rolls by raising theend-portions of the rolls sufficiently from their bearings, so that theportions of chain or the like can be slipped in rolling relation overeach pair of vertically disposed rolls, and the free ends of the chainhaving been connecte-d with a piece of binding wire or stout cord, andth rolls being replaced, the mechanism can be set in operation from thedriving shaft 26. Proper electrical connection having also been made inthe manner previously stated, the

the reduced portion 45 is arl electric current is turned on, and therolls or drums moving the Work into and from the electrolyteorelectrglytieuid, process ofthe comet electrmdcposition of the metalfrom the anode or anodes to the Work orcathode immediately takes place.-Tlie Work., at the same time, being continuously rolled or moved againstltlie brushes, a bright or bur nished electro-deposited surface willalso be produced, and the Work can be removed from the apparatus in itsfinished condition.

From the foregoing description of the present invention, it Will beclearly seen, that We have devised a simple, and eflectively operatingmechanism for electro-plating ap aratus in which. the' Work which is tobe p ated'is continuousiy moved or rolled through the elcctroplatingsolution, which is of es ecial benefit in plating long chains, Wliic.are looped over the rolls of the apparatus.. o

We are aware that changes may be made in the arrangements andcombinations of the devices and partsyas Well as in the details of theconstruction of the same, without dearti from the sco e of thisinvention. and i' 1 as cleariy defined in the appended claims. Hence Wedo not limit our invention to the exact arrangements and combinations ofthe devices and parts as described in the foregoing specification and asillustrated in the accompanying drawings, nor de we confine ourselves tothe exact details ofthe construction of the same.

We claims- 1. An electroplating apparatus com rising a vat or tank,adapte to contain an electro plating solution, a revoluble support fromWhich. the work which is to be plated is sus pended and is in rollingengagement with said support, and a rotary brush in said tank vinengagement with the moving surfaces of the Work.

2. An electroplating apparatus comY rising a vat or tank adapted tocontain an e ectroplating solution, a revoluble support from which theWork which is to be plated is susp ended and is in rolling engagementwith said support, and a rotary brush in said tank in engagement withthe movin surfaces of the Work, and means for vertica adjustment of saidbrush.

3. An electroplating apparatus com rising a vat or tank, adapted tocontain an e ectroplating solution, a revoluble supportl from ,which theWork which is to be plated. is suspended and is in rolling engagementwith said support, and a rotary brush in said tank in engagement Withthe moving surfaces of the work, the brush being provided withend-journals, and means for the Vertical adjustment of said brush,consisting of verti-v cally arranged screw-rods, a sleeve movablyarranged upon each screw-rod, and means connected with each screw-rodfor operating the same, substantially as and for the pury poses setforth.

4. An electro lting apparatus com rising a vat or tank a opted tocontain an ectroplating solution, ey revoluble support from which. theWork which is to be plated is suspended and is in rolling engagementwith said support, combined with another sup port from which metalanodes are adapted to `e suspended, electric circuits with which saidsupports are connected, and a rotary brush in said tank in engagementwith the moving surfaces oi the Work.

5. An electroplating apparatus comprising a vat or tank adapted tocontain an e ectro plating solution, a .revoluble support from which theWork which is tol be plated is sus pended and is in rolling engagementwith said support, combined with another support from which metal anodes are adapted to be suspended, electric circuits with which saidsupports are connected, a rotary brush in said tank in engagement withthe moving Asurfaces of tbe work, and means for vertice adjustment ofsaid brush.

6.V An electroplating apparatus com rising a vat or tank adapted tocontain an e ectroplating solution, a revoluble support from which theWork which is to be plated is suspended and is in rolling eugagementwithsaid support, combined with lanother support from which metal anodes areadapted to be suspended, electric circuits With W ich said supports areconnected, a rotary brush in said. tank in enga ement with the movingsurfaces of the wor ,l the brush being provided Witli end-journals, andmeans for the vertical adjustment of said brush, consisting ofverticallyarranged screw-rods, a sleeve movably arranged upon eachscrew-rod, and means connected with each screw-rod for o erating thesame, substantially as and for t e purposes set forth.

7. An electroplating apparatus com rising a vat or .tank adapted tocontain an e ectro plating solution, a revoluble support from which theWork'whicli is to be plated is suspended and is in rolling engagementwith said support, the body of said support being a non-conductor ofelectricity, metal contact-stri s upon said support, an electric ciri 1sconnected, and

cuit Wit which thewor a rotary brush in said tank in engagement with themoving surfaces of the work.

8. An electroplating apparatus com )rising a vat or tan-k adapted tocontain an e ectro-` plating solution, a revoluble support from whichthe Work which is to be plated is suspended and is in rolling engagementwith said support, the body ot' said support being a non-conductor ofelectricity, metal contact-strips upon said su. port, an electriccircuit With which` the wor is connected, and a rotary brush in saidtank in engagement with the moving surfaces of the Work, and means forvertical adjustment of said brush.

i 9. An electro )lating apparatus com rising a vat or tank adapted tocontain an e cetro plating solution, a` revoluble supportfrom which theWork which is to be plated is suspended and is' in rollin en agementwith said support, the body o sai support being a non-conductor ofelectricity,` metal contact-strips upon said su portl an electric cir-Cuit with Wh1cl1 the Wor is connected, and a iotary brush in said tankin engagement Witl thel moving surfaces of the Work, the brush beingrovided with end-journals, and means' or the vertical adjustment of saidbrush, consisting of vertically arranged' screw-rods, a sleeve movablyarranged upon each screw-rod, and' means connected with each screw-rodfor operating the same, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

10. An electroplating apparatus comprising a vat or tank adapted tocontain an electroplating solution, a revoluble support 11.Anelec'troplating apparatus compris-' ing a vat or tank adapted tocontain 'an electroplating solution, a revoluble support from which thework which is to 4be plated is suspended and is in rollin engagementwith said support, the body to said lsupport being a non-conductor ofelectricity, metal contact-stri s upon said support, an electric circuitWit which the Workis connected, combined with another support fromWhichthe metal anodes are adapted to be suspended,

' electric circuits with which said supports are connected, and a rotarybrush in said tank in engagement With the moving surfaces of the Work,and means for vertical adjustment of saidbrush. i

v12. An electroplating apparatus comprising a vat or tank adapted tocontain an electroplating solution, a revoluble support from which theWork which is to be plated is suspended and is in rolling engagementwith said support, the body of said support being a non-conductor ofelectricity, metal contactstri s upon said support, `an electric circuitWit which the Work is connected, combined With another support fromwhich the metal anodes are adapted to be suspended, electric circuitswith which said supports are connected, and a rotary brush in. said tankin engagement with the moving surfaces of the Work, the brush beingprovided with endjournals, and means for vthe vertical adjustment ofsa1d brush, consisting of vertically arranged screw-rods, a sleevemovably arranged upon each screw-rod, and means con-` eer-,essi

nected with each screw-rod for operating the saine, substantially as andfor the purposes set forth.

i3. ln an ele troplating apparatuaa vat or tank adapted to contain anelectrcplating solution, a pair of vertically disposed supporting rollsover which the Work which is to e plated is arranged in rollingengagement, means for actuating said rolls, and a rotary brush in said-tank in engagement with the moving surfaces of the Work.

14. In an electroplating apparatus, a vat or tank adapted to contain anelectroplating solution, a pair oi vertically disposed suporting rollsover which the Work which is to e plated is arranged in rollingengagement, means for actuating said rolls, and` a rotary brush in saidtank in engagement with the movin@ surfaces of the Work, and means forvertical adjustment of said brush.

15. In an electroplating apparatus, a vat or tank adapted to contain anelectropiating solution, a pair of vertically disposed supporting rollsover which the work which is to e plated is arranged in rollingengagement, .Y

means for actuating said rolls, anda rotary brush in said tank inengagement with the moving surfaces of the Work, the brush beingprovided with end-journals, and means for the vertical adjustment ofsaid brush, consisting of vertically arranged screw-reds, a sleevemovably arranged upon eacluv screwrod, and means connected with eachscrewrod for operating the same, substantially and for the purposes setfortis..l

16. In an electroplating apparatus, a vat or tank adapted to contain anelectroplating' solution, a pair of vertically disposed snporting rollsover which the Work which to e plated is arranged in rolling engagement,means for actuating said rolls, an anode-bar vfrom which metal anodesare to suspended, electric circuits with which anode-bar and one of saidrolls are electrically connected, anda rotary bruslL in tank, inengagement with the moving surfaces of the Work. s

17. In an electroplating apparatus, vat or tankadapted to contain anelectroplating solution, a pair of vertically disposed snpf )orting rollover which the Work which is te be plated is arranged in rollingengagement, means for actuating said rolls, an anode-bar from whichmetal anodes are adapted to be suspended, electric circuits with whichsai` anode-bar and one of said rolls are electrically connected, and arotary brush in said tank, in engagement with the moving sur-f -faces ofthe Work, and means for vertical adjustment of said brush.

18. In an electroplating apparatus, a vat or tank adapted to contain anelectroplating solution, a pair of vertically disposed supv portingrolls over which the work Which is to e plated is arrapged in rollingengagement,

means for actuating said rolls, an anode-bar connected with eachscrew-rod for operating from which metal anodes are adapted to be thesame, substantially as and for the pursuspended, electric circuits withWhich said poses set forth.

anode-bar and one offsaid rolls are electric In testimony, that We claimthe invention 144' 5v'ailyrconr'iccted,l and-a rotary brush in said setforth above We have hereunto set our ftank,.1 in engagementl With themoving sur hands this 26th day of June 1907.

faces offthawork, the brush being provided ABRAHAM VAN WINKLE.

end-journals, and means for the vertical JOHN T, DANIELS. adguatment ofsaid brush, consisting of ver- Witnesses: v 10 ticaly arrangedscrew-rods, a sleeve movabiy E. N. BoIoE,

arranged. upon each screw-rod, andhmeans F. H. W. FRAENTnEL.

